Club Tuition Commitment

[touched by it all]

A club is requiring a 10-month tuition commitment. Parents must agree at registration to pay tuition (monthly) through the end of June. The policy does not apply to beginner classes. Those subject to the tuition commitment are also club members. Annual membership is a separate fee.

How common is a full-season commitment, and what are the benefits to the fencers? I don't question that clubs should receive prompt payment of tuition, in advance, in intervals established by the club (by the month, the session, the lesson, etc.). It's the commitment to pay through the end of the season that has me wondering . . .

[dcmdale]

I encountered this with one club. The result was a long discussion with the owner. At the end of the day, he decided that getting my continued business was worth letting go of the lock-in.

[oiuyt]

I know of a club that does monthly membership, but with a 1-year commitment at the beginning.

I know of many phone companies that have monthly fees with 1- or 2-year commitments and early-cancellation penalties.

All kinds of health clubs have similar structures. Many without the option of going to month-to-month after the initial commitment period, the way the phone companies and club in the first example offer.

-B

[Allen Evans]

There is probably NO benefit to the fencer for a financial contract/commitment to the club, unless the club offers a discount for this commitment (probably unlikely).

There is a benefit for the CLUB in a predictable revenue stream, especially if the club is committing resources facilities with an eye towards supporting a certain number of fencers with a level of service in the future.

As Oiuyt says, many business have similar plans and restrictions.

AE

[irishfolker]

My club offers a lower monthly fee with a one-year commitment. Sounds like a good compromise.

[touched by it all]

Thanks for your comments -- all very helpful.

The tuition commitment is a new policy at a club that has had some significant changes (= politics?). My initial reaction was that the policy is designed to keep members from jumping ship this season if/when additional changes are implemented. Now I wonder whether all these changes simply signal the club is in some financial distress.

The policy at Irishfolker's club seems to say, "We invite you to spend a full year with us." This club seems to suggest, "We'll come after you for the money if you don't." Not a warm, fuzzy feeling to convey to the customers, though I understand it's a business, after all.

[Mo]

Originally Posted by touched by it all

Thanks for your comments -- all very helpful.

The tuition commitment is a new policy at a club that has had some significant changes (= politics?). My initial reaction was that the policy is designed to keep members from jumping ship this season if/when additional changes are implemented. Now I wonder whether all these changes simply signal the club is in some financial distress.

The policy at Irishfolker's club seems to say, "We invite you to spend a full year with us." This club seems to suggest, "We'll come after you for the money if you don't." Not a warm, fuzzy feeling to convey to the customers, though I understand it's a business, after all.

It isn't a warm fuzzy feeling at all.
If they wish to implement such a thing it should be after the first solid two or three months of fencing. By then a person would know if that is what they want to do.
I would not sign up for that.
The Momster

[griffindm]

Originally Posted by touched by it all

The policy at Irishfolker's club seems to say, "We invite you to spend a full year with us." This club seems to suggest, "We'll come after you for the money if you don't." Not a warm, fuzzy feeling to convey to the customers, though I understand it's a business, after all.

I'm involved with the same club as Irishfolker, and it is pretty clear. If you intend to participate for all 12 months, the cost per month is about 1/3 less than those that prefer to go only month to month. If you do sign up for the full year, payment is expected, unless you relocate out of the area.

Seems reasonable to me. The club has fixed expenses to meet, and as such it places value on knowing the future revenue stream. If you intend to fence all year, why not take advantage of it? If not, you know what you are paying extra for the right to leave at any point.

[wahrman]

Of the four clubs I've been a part of since starting fencing,

1) Was month to month and then moved to a quarterly commitment.

2) Requires a full year commitment payable up front.

3) Requires a full year commitments payable 1/12 per month.

4) Requires a full year up front but it's a trivial amount. They then charge a floor fee of all members every time they show up.

Of those options I like #4 the least. It discourages people from showing up regularly.

But I suppose that's great for people who are happy fencing once or twice a week.

[TBean]

What they are asking for is not much different from what a health-club makes you do when you sign-up. Health-clubs also offer incentives for longer-term commitments or if you pay for your membership all in one shot.

It is difficult for many clubs to continually have to chase people for thier fees - doing it this way the club can predict on a month-to-month basis what the income will be and in some cases offer members a better rate. It also stream-lines the business end for the club-owner and reduces some of thier overhead.

Politics aside, your club is also someone's small business and they need to make thier living from it.

[touched by it all]

As TBean noted, "Politics aside, your club is also someone's small business and they need to make thier living from it."

Agreed, wholeheartedly. And I see the parallels between the fencing club and the health club arrangements, as others have pointed out.

This club is not offering incentives for season-long commitments, nor is it asking for payment for the entire season up-front. I suspect the club owners devote a tremendous amount of time to chasing people for their monthly payments, something they shouldn't have to do. But if the tuition commitment is no more than a promise to pay tuition for the entire season, on a monthly basis, it seems the owners are still going to have to chase after those who never pay on time. So, the tuition commitment may not solve that problem, the way this club is approaching it. Yes, there certainly would be a predictable revenue stream, something that perhaps was more iffy in prior years.

Appreciate your comments.

[passata_sotto]

We have three payment plans after an initial "quick start" program. The quick start is for new fencers and is for twelve weeks and includes an electric non- FIE foil.
After that you have a choice of four months, six months, or 12 months. The cost is 35% less per month if you do the 12 months versus the 4 months.
I think that it would be difficult to budget for bills, rent, etc without some type of commitment from club members.